Catherine Cohen
Miller Place,NY
Summary
Results-driven operations and leasing professional with 30+ years of experience optimizing business processes, managing high-volume administrative workflows, and driving property management success. Expertise spans CPA firm operations, affordable housing compliance, leasing performance, and resident services—delivering efficiency, revenue growth, and exceptional client experiences. Excel in Yardi systems, RealPage, Section 8 regulations, tax credit affordable housing, team coordination, and cross-functional leadership.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Leasing Specialist
GREYSTAR
10.2022 - Current
- Drive leasing operations for luxury multifamily properties, achieving measurable results through performance motivation, small group presentations, and strict Fair Housing compliance.
- Support high-performing property management teams with administrative expertise and hands-on resident services, enhancing operational efficiency and resident satisfaction.
- Serves as primary contact for apartment availability/applications, & renewals.
- Manage resident relationships to enhance satisfaction and retention.
- Collaborate with property management teams to streamline operations.
- Train junior staff on leasing processes and best practices.
- Answer phone calls and emails and responded to questions from prospects quickly and effectively.
- Coordinate move-ins and move-outs, ensuring seamless transitions for both new and departing residents.
- Managed over 112 leases by preparing for renewals and vacancies and enforced occupancy and payment terms.
- Resolved conflicts between tenants regarding noise, encroachments, and parking.
- Organize resident events to foster a sense of community within the property, increasing resident satisfaction levels.
- Provide exceptional customer service to both current residents and prospective tenants, generating positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Assistant to Property Manager
WILDER BALTER PARTNERS
01.2021 - 10.2022
- Managed high-volume resident communications, entering complaints/work orders into Yardi and coordinating maintenance for timely resolutions.
- Processed lease renewals, maintained compliant tenant files, and handled Section 8 inquiries/eligibility for CDCLI voucher holders.
- Hosted resident events and served as primary contact for apartment availability/applications, boosting community engagement.
- Woodcrest Estates (55+ Tax Credit Community)
- Managed administrative tasks, streamlining office operations and improving workflow efficiency.
- Developed and maintained filing systems, optimizing document retrieval processes.
- Contributed to a positive work environment with strong interpersonal skills and proactive teamwork attitude.
- Greeted guests in with friendliness and professionalism.
- Answered incoming phone calls to process requests, transfer calls, or relay messages to appropriate personnel.
- Assisted manager in all aspects of business operations.
- Safeguarded sensitive information through proper documentation handling, data entry, and record maintenance procedures.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly mastering new software applications for various tasks.
- Strengthened supplier relationships by negotiating favorable terms and managing contracts efficiently.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
Front Desk Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
MAJESTIC GARDENS (CATERING HALL)
01.2017 - 03.2020
- Managed front desk operations, ensuring seamless guest check-in and check-out processes.
- Coordinated communication between guests and event planners to meet specific needs.
- Executed opening/closing procedures, themed decorations, and orders for linens/food via computer systems.
- Handled heavy phone volume, guest relations, event planning, and vendor coordination for large-scale events.
- Greeted guests at front desk and engaged in pleasant conversations while managing check-in process.
- Collected room deposits, fees, and payments.
- Assisted in coordination of company events, contributing to successful and well-organized functions.
- Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities, and communicate instructions.
- Assisted with human resources tasks such as updating employee files or submitting time-off requests per company policy guidelines. Dispersed paychecks.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity. Worked alongside maitre'd to introduce wedding parties and setting up for next stage of the event.
Senior Operations Manager
HOWARD S. COHEN CPA PC
09.1991 - 11.2016
- Oversaw all day-to-day operations for a busy CPA firm, streamlining administrative, financial, HR, technology, and compliance processes to maximize accountant productivity.
- In Charge of marketing, advertising & social media, along with building an online presence and reputation.
- Managed billing/AR, budgeting, vendor contracts, staff onboarding/training, and peak-season scheduling—ensuring seamless workflows.
- Implemented SOPs, practice management software, and internal controls, supporting data security and regulatory compliance.
- 25 years
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
Education
High School Diploma -
CENTEREACH HIGH SCHOOL
Skills
- Property Management
- RealPage ILM
- Yardi Voyager
- Section 8 /CDCLI Housing Vouchers
- Fair Housing Compliance
- Operations Oversight
- SOP Development
- Leasing Operations
- Resident Services
- MS Office Suite
- Marketing/Advertising
- Vendor Management
- Team Coordination
- Event planning
- Relocation Specialist
- Financial Oversight
Certification
- Licensed Real Estate agent - 2023
Timeline
Leasing Specialist
GREYSTAR
10.2022 - Current
Assistant to Property Manager
WILDER BALTER PARTNERS
01.2021 - 10.2022
Front Desk Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
MAJESTIC GARDENS (CATERING HALL)
01.2017 - 03.2020
Senior Operations Manager
HOWARD S. COHEN CPA PC
09.1991 - 11.2016
High School Diploma -
CENTEREACH HIGH SCHOOL